Thursday, February 28, 2013

THE OUTLAW ROADSHOW is, first and foremost, about the exploration of music and culture. It's a road that never ends and hopefully along the way we discover many, many amazing artists. This is one of them today. I'm not sure I can count how many live sets were attended last year, or the tally of digital downloads I received from publicists around the country. What I do know is that the best new act I heard in 2012 was DANIEL AND THE LION.

It's appropriate that I tell this story in an Outlaw Roadshow artist announcement, because it was the week I hung out with Outlaw Roadshow co-producer Adam Duritz in New York (for October's two day show) that the greatness of this Wisconsin duo came into frame. Jimmie Linville and Daniel Pingrey are the types of fellows that you meet and remember. They've got good energy and charisma. But they're also hopelessly nerdy. Over the course of a few days the lot of us; Adam, Daniel And The Lion and our ragtag band of music and blog friends, experienced a tremendous live music experience unfold at The Outlaw NY. It's the kind of thing you did in college, meeting people like that. Casual and cool. Engaging and inspired. There was a lot of laughing. We made some good friends.

But then it got to show time. Something wild and untamed got unleashed in their set. The volume never got out of hand, but there was a fiery intensity... Linville and Pingrey will likely play together for the rest of their lives. (It's that kind of intensity.) And then it was over. Beautiful, ethereal and entertaining - the set hung with me for weeks. The pair released an Amazing album in '12 called Death's Head. It was released in two parts. You need to own it. This is an artist introduction you will be thanking us for down the road. Very Highly Recommended.

Last year NPR named THE BLACK AND WHITE YEARS, "a Band to Watch." And in addition to being one of my favorite act from the South, they could be the best Electro Rock band in America today. We've seen them them play songs from their playful, upbeat full-length debut and a few more times behind their cool, precise followup record, Patterns - which really exposed their genius. So, it's easy for me to recommend their new full-length which will appear on Modern Outsider Records later this year.

The first offering from the new record, titled "Just Like Old Times," features the vocals of Adrienne Butler, wife of singer-songwriter Scott Butler. In 2011, Scott asked if Adrienne would sing on a rough demo, without knowing whether she would or even could sing. She agreed to give it a try; and the band was floored when they heard the recording. In 2013, The Black and White Years return with a new album, a new perspective and a new voice.

THE BLACK AND WHITE YEARS are known for their high energy, clever-witted sets. One of The Most Fun Live Sets in America is coming To The Outlaw Roadshow on Sat Mar 9 this year. The show is free to the public, no badges or festival credentials of any kind needed.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

This is Music with Heart. The first time I listened to Chicago's FORT FRANCES was during the artist selection process for the Outlaw Roadshow. Putting together a really amazing lineup is like making a mix tape. I was at a juncture where I need a spirited fun act, a tight band that can really blow people's minds - but with their ability, not their volume. I got that and far more with this band. I listened to Fort Frances for just about 20 minutes and I found myself thinking about those songs all day long!

What Speaks to Me. The three-part harmonies are beautiful! And the use of additional and unanticipated instrumentation (a full choir in one instance) help bring real energy to these records. (One in particular "White Roses" was quite haunting.) There's a lot more ahead. Fort Frances is David McMillin, Jeffrey Piper, Aaron Kiser. They are definitely One to Watch in 2013.

Fort Frances plays The Outlaw Roadshow on Saturday, March 9. The show is free to attend with advanced RSVP. I will be parked right up front for this.

FIELD REPORT is the brainchild of Chris Porterfield. Chris cut his musical teeth with DeYarmond Edison (the other members of which were Justin Vernon and Megafaun). After their breakup in 2006, Bon Iver and Megafaun went on to success while Chris hung back in Wisconsin, thinking his career in music was probably over. It was really just beginning. For the first time in his life, he began writing his own songs, which he spent the following six years carefully perfecting.

A band - a really good band - was formed.Producer Paul Kolderie (Radiohead, Warren Zevon, The Pixies, Uncle Tupelo) fell in love with the new early songs and ended up mixing tracks for Porterfield in February of last year.

Field Report debuted at Austin in March 2012, playing The Outlaw Roadshow to rave reviews. They proved to be one of the most buzzed about bands at SXSW 2012. Months later Field Report would be tapped to play with Counting Crows on the The Outlaw Roadshow North American tour. Two subsequent US tours with Emmylou Harris and Aimee Mann would follow in quick succession. The band's performances were - time after time, judged as utterly mesmerizing.

The Outlaw Roadshow is very pleased to announce the addition of Field Report to our Saturday, March 16 lineup. The show is free but the experience - especially this set - will be priceless.

I Am Not Waiting Anymore - "The new video, directed by Manny Marquez, is a moving and wrenching tale of sin and redemption, as a physically and emotionally battered homeless man attempts to get his life together, with the help of a mysterious woman. The story plays around with themes of identity as we follow what appears to be different variations of the man, named Jerry, at different points in his life, " - NPR

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

LOCAL TIES - Aly Spaltro is the Brooklyn-based folk dynamo LADY LAMB THE BEEKEEPER. There are some serious New England ties here. Lady Lamb grew up in Maine and we know her music from knocking around in Cambridge and catching her playing shows. Last week Lady Lamb released her debut full-length album, Ripely Pine, last week via Ba Da Bing Records. Yesterday she released the music video for "The Nothing Pt II" (Portland filmmaker David Meiklejohn) via SPIN. Tour dates are listed below.

A STAR SHINING BRIGHTLY - On his new EP, Drown in the Crimson Tide (March 5, Something-Music), NAKIA six new songs he wrote in collaboration with top-tier artists including Barry Goldberg, Bleu, Chris Seefried and Brian West.

A LIFE IN MUSIC - It’s the latest chapter in a musical journey that started in earnest when Nakia moved from Chicago to Austin in 2002. After a brief stint in the Small Stars, a tongue-in-cheek lounge act fronted by Fastball’s Miles Zuniga, he formed Nakia & His Southern Cousins, got booked to perform at the 2008 Austin City Limits Festival, and wound up singing with Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings. Alejandro Escovedo heard him at a Rolling Stones tribute, which led to him singing backup on Escovedo’s Street Songs of Love album, and to a second recommendation — this time by producer Tony Visconti — for Nakia to front his own Blues band. So he formed the Blues Grifters. A YouTube video of the band led to The Voice producer Mark Burnett recruiting him for the pilot, which resulted in his relationship with CeeLo.

Among Nakia’s non-musical undertakings, he worked at an Apple store, modeled, and was a cavern guide, a show rider (yes, horseback), a record label promo guy (pushing John Mayer for Aware Records) and an actual missionary in Africa.
Along the way, he managed to overcome drug and alcohol addiction and growing up as a declared gay kid in the South. Nakia gets to the core of his experiences, and how he moved beyond them and into a positive place on “Dream Big,” a bluesy mid-tempo ballad co-written with his friend Bleu. The EP’s title, Drown in the Crimson Tide, comes from a line in the song — it’s not just a reference to a certain Alabama football team.

Nakia is a talented artist and a star but he's a good human being first and foremost. It was exciting to see him attend last year's Outlaw Roadshow and the look on his face as he watched all of the strong performances by our fan favorites and indie upstarts. Here's a guy that believes in the power of music and can understand what it means to be saved by it.. We couldn't be happier to announce that Nakia has been added to The Outlaw Roadshow 2013 and will play our stage on Sat, Mar 16th!

Monday, February 25, 2013

LISTEN TO THIS! After a solid year of touring, JAY NASH spent most of 2012 hunkered down in his Vermont home studio, crafting what would become his forthcoming album, Letters from the Lost (May 14 release, produced by Bill Lefler & Jay Nash). It was a time for stepping out. This would be the first album Nash had recorded outside of LA in many years. Change was in the air - and it's reflected in the music. Behind Nash's distinct vocals are a far more layered soul. And in support: mandolin, baritone electric guitar, and ukulele.

DID YOU KNOW? Counting Crows Charlie Gillingham and David Immergluck played on Jay Nash's The Things You Think You Need and Diamonds and Blood. Jay, Charlie and Immi also played in the much loved Low Stars with Dave Gibbs (Gigolo Ants) and Chris Seefried!

THE NEXT LEVEL - There's a place where great indie rock and dance meet. With a sound that's every bit as soul-filled as Lenny Kravitz and as dance rock-inspired as Franz Ferdinand, I want you to meet the sensational ANIMAL TALK - one of today's most buzzed about groups from the Northeast. Over the course of the last year, the guys have quietly built their catalog and their fan following. On Saturday, March 9th they will play The Outlaw Roadshow along with many of the country's best, most inspired new acts. It's a place we think they belong. Animal Talk is: Greg Faucher, Rob Johanson, Steven Kilgore and Ben Bourgeois. Very happy to have Animal Talk with us on Sat 03/09 - this is the band's first Outlaw Roadshow.

“Please don’t go see Animal Talk if you’re not going to dance. Assertive percussion and slightly rough vocals round out pop-y synths and indie rock guitars, all of which come together for a high-energy live show that defies the audience a chance to stand still, let alone sit down.”
- Boston.com

“Think Young the Giant meets Lenny Kravitz, and there you have the distinct sound that is Animal Talk. The EP’s opener, ‘Into The Sun,’ is a track that features fast-paced drum beats along with instrumental hooks that will leave anyone dancing for days…[Animal Talk] leaves listeners wanting more.”
- Performer Magazine

“Animal Talk’s energetic, danceable sound and their irresistibly cool vibe will have you wishing you could have them at your next house party. They’re the kind of band you want to listen to, but also want to hang out with.”
- Crushable

“Class of 2012: Boston’s 12 Best New Bands…‘Can’t Dance With It’ is a bubbling synth number that’s destined for alt-rock radio, while ‘Into the Sun’ is confident modern pop shuffle with an edge.”
- The Boston Phoenix

Sunday, February 24, 2013

THE BEST LIVE ACTS IN AMERICA 2013 - It's hard to argue the facts here... FILLIGAR have gone from Chicago band on the rise, to national buzz band to mover and shaker on the international music scene. It's all because of the live set. Less than a year after successfully touring Europe, they opened for Counting Crows on The Outlaw Roadshow Tour. Along with a whole bunch of recording out in LA (more on that real soon) Filligar were also tapped to join tours with Brandi Carlile and Taddy Porter. It's been a wild couple of years. Filligar have an amazing new series of songs - a full album, complete and ready for release. It's going to be a huge year.

NYC - BRIDGES AND POWERLINES make a triumphant return on our stage in Austin this March! The all-new Better EP will be released soon giving you all something amazing to look forward to. It features a guest appearance by Wisconsin's Bon Iver and was produced by Kieran Kelley (Sufjan Stephens) and mixed by Adam Lasus (Yo Lat Tengo, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah). Bridges and Powerlines released their previous album, Eve,in 2011 (also with Kieran Kelley) and at that time it was the record “they wanted to make their whole lives.” Critics praised their efforts, calling Eve “a big winner” (Popmatters) and we here at RSL recognized it to be "ridiculously addictive,” adding it to our Best of 2011 List!

It is with great pleasure that I announce that The Outlaw Roadshows will once again bring Bridges and Powerlines to our stage on Saturday, March 16th. This will be a must-see set from a band that many will be talking about in the year ahead.

JUST MAGIC - Josh Arnoudse and Raky Sastri have been working with each other on theater, film and now - music projects for the better part of the last 12 years. Their quirky pop music project together is called YOU WON'T and it's one of the most dynamic, fun and theatrical stage slots I've seen in ages. The pair of creators released debuted, "Skeptic Goodbye," last February and have been building up speed ever since. Raky and Josh are always doing the unexpected! At last fall's Outlaw Roadshow in New York, You Won't brought a wind chime out on stage and incorporated it into their already dynamic set. Fun is the order of the day when these two play! Adam Duritz and I are are very proud to present You Won't once again on an Outlaw Roadshow in Austin, TX. This is a set you are not going to want to miss!

Saturday, February 23, 2013

BROTHERS IN ARMS - The New England-based roots rock band, TALLAHASSEE takes it’s name from a Native American word meaning, “old town.” Tallahassee strives to pioneer uncharted sonic territory, harnessing diverse influences ranging from indie to classic rock, folk and blues all filtered through band members' diverse backgrounds in professional football, fine art and classical music.
Tallahassee's latest effort, Old Ways (May 2013), draws inspiration from the band's dynamic and energetic live shows. Over a year-and-a-half in the making, the new music showcases a broader sonic palette as well as the most adventurous songs the band has ever written.

Jealous Hands, Tallahassee’s 2011 debut album, garnered attention from taste-making blogs (Urban Outfitters, My Old Kentucky Blog, Daytrotter, The Deli) as well as NPR and college radio alike, appearing on the CMJ Top-200 chart for five weeks.

TALLAHASSEE is a name to know and we couldn't be more excited to have them with us in Austin. This is their first Outlaw Roadshow appearance.

INDIE POP TO RULE THE WORLD - Boston’s AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER took the music world by storm in 2012, playing live dates on both coasts and making a big splash at last year's CMJ Festival. There are no signs of it letting up now. Much of that fire resulted from, NORDO, Air Traffic's full-length debut that won them accolades from reviewers. The band does a great job interacting with the fans. Case in point: Air Traffic Controller played a knock-out performance at The Outlaw Roadshow in New York City this past fall that left our audiences wanting more. We love making those kind of wishes come true!

MEET THE BAND - Air Traffic Controller is the brainchild of singer/songwriter Dave Munro who spent time in the U.S. Navy serving as a real-life air traffic controller. Munro sent home 4-track demos he had written and recorded during his deployment.One of Dave’s demos reached LA-based singer/songwriter and record producer Bleu McAuley. Munro states; “I was floored to find out one of my musical heroes wanted to produce us." The resulting sessions ended up on the EP, The One. Little more than a year later, the band fan-sourced their next record. Bleu returned to helm the project once again. And I think you can agree wit me that these kind of results speak for themselves!

The band features Dave Munro on lead vocals and guitar; multi-instrumentalist Steve Scott on lead guitar, keys, and more; big brother Richie Munro on drums; Casey Sullivan on bass, banjo, and backing vocals; with violinist Alison Shipton and Kiara Perico on viola.

Friday, February 22, 2013

NO DAY LIKE TODAY, the new self-released EP from the stellar GOLDEN BLOOM continues the band's long tradition of producing nearly flawless music. Unlike previous efforts which have lived primarily in the realm of popular music, the new series of songs are more rock in their direction and a bit darker in tone. Beautiful, nevertheless, this effort marks a new age in the band's creativity.Golden Bloom was initially a solo effort for Shawn Fogel but has swelled to a full band. Those members and their time together have helped steer the direction of the band and these new songs.

In June of 2012, Golden Bloom live band members Jeff Patlingrao and Josh Cohen travelled to Shawn’s longtime vacation destination of Southwest Harbor, ME where they holed up in a cabin in the woods to work on a new batch of songs. Joined by newly added drummer Justin Hofmann, the quartet retreated to Tarquin Studios in Bridgeport, CT, a facility run by Peter Katis (The National, Interpol, Frightened Rabbit). They produced the sessions themselves with the help of engineer Greg Giorgio.“Many of the songs were arranged collaboratively in the studio,” Fogel says. “The spontaneous energy we generated carried over to the music.”

Golden Bloom's Shawn Fogel

GOLDEN BLOOM are Outlaw Roadshow veterans and there's a reason for it. This is one of the best songwriting outfits in the country and their live sets have been described as fun, uplifting and effervescent! The voice you hear in the back of your head is Shawn Fogel speaking. The music you hear is Golden Bloom. Welcome back to The Outlaw Roadshow gentlemen!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

GET READY FOR THIS - Music is in a great place right now. Don't let them tell you anything different.. There's more great music out there than ever before and it's easier to find with technology. But don't you find there are fewer and fewer truly AMAZING live acts, despite the sea of opportunity that's out there. The last couple of times I was completely mesmerized was the first time I heard Alabama Shakes, Field Report, Adele and Sharon Jones. We talk about excellence because that's what we seek.. When was the last band that an artist truly touched your heart on first impression?

We're very, very happy to announce that The Outlaw Roadshow has added Wisconsin's PHOX to our lineup on Saturday, March 9th. The band have a beautiful sense of pacing. A fusion of efforts and styles comes off as shockingly fresh here. It works. But then it really happens: Monica Martin begins to sing and you forget you were ever unaware of this band. It's a moment followed by many others just like it.. Last year they greeted the world with the Friendship(19 total tracks - pay what you want). The groundwork was laid for this moment... PHOX enters the fray at SXSW 2013 and is sure to be one of the most buzzed about acts of 2013.

“Martin takes it all over the top, making every story feel as if it's one of those dreamy and vibrant tales that come from the notebooks of Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola.” DAYTROTTER

This is ROEM BAUR from San Francisco. I met this guy - one of those rare cases in which a music writer meets a talented musician - and we became friendly before I ever heard his music. As it turns out, Roem's glowing personality and ability to handle himself in almost any situation pretty closely mirror his playing ability and his grace on stage. I recall hearing him play for the first time and was astounded (and pleasantly surprised) that hidden jewels like this are still out there to be discovered.

Roem is a singer with a ridiculous vocal range (this is increasingly rare in the music world celebrated by today's media machine) and a troubadour's soul. He's used these qualities and his constant touring to develop a solid following in a number of American cities. At each stop along the way, he's continued to explore and grow. In 2011, Baur locked himself in a 100 year-old church sanctuary to record his first album. And after nine nights with only a grand piano, a pawn-shop guitar and a string quartet, he emerged with "The Thief EP."

Roem's restless artistic soul and his pursuit of excellence have lead him to form a backing band. The new 'Roem Baur' leads a rock, funk and soul band capable of blowing the doors off a room full of people. He is currently recording his first full band effort with his Tuba/Trombone powered indie-soul band and Grammy nominated producer, Damien Lewis. We are delighted to have Roem Baur with us this year at this year's Outlaw Roadshow. This is the first time with us. He tells me that he'll be bringing the heat!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

The thing I think I like best about CASK MOUSE is how unbelievably synced up this collective of six members are.. I met the gang through musician friends who were stopped in their tracks one night by Cask Mouse's sound. And if I recall correct, I remember being equally as impressed the first time.

"We do this because we love to.
There are no rules in Cask Mouse.
You got the urge to shake your hips, shake em’"

Cask Mouse released a really special EP last year called "Cambridge Sessions." I count those songs on a short list of favorites from New England artists the last few years. (We're sharing a couple of those songs here today.) The achingly beautiful voice of singer Bonnie Parks is the perfect foil to the band's trudging, sublime, folk-tinged, country drawl. This band from Boston have world class chops - as you are all about to discover at The Outlaw Roadshow. This is their first time at this rodeo and we couldn't be happier to have them!

A Beautiful, Glowing Sound - There's much to be made of VOX POP'S rolling & tumbling pop music. It's all at once soothing, but that tranquility - inspired interestingly by a flurry of multiple instrumentation, masks the depth of the lyrics and the urgency of (singers) Jamie & Katherine's vocals. The band uses guitars, cellos, violas, snare drums, synthesizers, medieval harmony and glockenspiels in their recordings - providing real depth and the mark of professionalism needed for the band to stand out from their music peers in Brooklyn.

Highly Recommended - Much of Vox Pop's soon-to-be-released debut album was recorded in a small room in Oakland, CA before they ventured down to Los Angeles to mix their first EP, the red-hot "French/Funeral" (2012), with Danny Kalb (Beck, Ben Harper). This is Vox Pop's first Outlaw Roadshow. We think they could be the next big thing and are simply delighted to have them with us in Austin!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

MATT HOPPER is an American troubadour with rock and roll in his veins, a weathered voice and blues hands. (This guy is totally legit and so is his band. We first wrote about him in 2006 and he's only gotten better since then.) Though currently based in Idaho, Hopper cut his teeth on the Alaskan music scene - where he still works, writes and records. He has released six albums, both solo and with THE ROMAN CANDLES: Dylan Cline - guitar & vocals, William Prescott - drums, vocals, Bryan Garfinkel - bass, Kullen Fuchs - trumpet.

REAL LIFE ACTION HEROES - The Outlaw Roadshow is pleased as hell to announce that MELLOW BRAVO from Boston have accepted a return invitation to play for our audiences this year. They are perhaps New England's most fiery rock band and have become infamous for the intensity of their shows and the charisma of their performances And unlike many popular rock bands, the Bravo can really take it down low - plumbing the waters of soul and folk, proving that this intensity and creative energy aren't strictly tied to volume.

The band has had a hell of a year. Their full-length eponymous debut was released in 2012 on the Small Stone / Mad Oak labels to rave reviews, making its mark on the CMJ charts. Just last week, SXSW released the band's new music video for Ridin' which appears on the record. It's a breakthrough video filmed cheap and with friends. Fun and adventure - as always - ensue.

And two weeks ago, the band had a song appear on on the globally televised CSI New York. The year ahead looks much the same for these rock vikings (Andrew Doherty, Jess Collins, Dave Jarvis, Jeff Fultz, Seager Tennis and Keith Pierce) as new recording, live shows - including SxSW and The Outlaw Roadshow loom in the distance. This group's future appears limitless.

Monday, February 18, 2013

“It is with an excited & happy heart, I announce KINGSLEY FLOOD have been added to the 2013 Newport Folk Festival.

Since 2009, Kingsley have been one of Boston’s hardest working bands – and certainly one of her best. Combining elements of Americana, Country and Folk, they released the 2010 full-length debut Dust Windows – and they quickly became one of the region’s most skilled (and routinely wonderful) live acts. And so began, at least in this writer’s mind, the band’s collision course with Newport Folk and history. By 2011 it was more than clear that the ‘Kingsley Flood’ of the live nights had out-paced their recorded music. The answer was a new series of songs on the EP Colder Still, that would allow punk and rock influences of the players’ youth to intermingle with their current catalog. Kingsley Flood were truly unleashed.

Each show for Kingsley is both a celebration of music’s glorious past and an excited look at where passion and creativity can take you. The paths were drawing together. At much the same time Newport Folk also has come to embrace its own change to triumph. And just days ago, the members of the band (Naseem Khuri, Nick Balkin, Jenée Morgan, George Hall, Chris Barrett, and Travis Richter) released the new LP “Battles” – which is, without a doubt, Kingsley Flood’s greatest work to-date. It’s a series of beautiful songs destined to both ground them in music’s history, while allowing their creative spirits to soar.. It’s now time for the biggest stage of their lives and Newport Folk is ready.”

JOE FLETCHER & THE WRONG REASONS play Americana music and Country Blues. 2012 was a landmark year for the Providence, RI, band. Joe Fletcher's second LP, White Lighter spent more than a full year charting on Roots Country radio.

The Wrong Reasons are well-received pretty much everywhere; folks are pretty much enthralled by their original show and blue-collar sound. They've shared stages with many of their favorite acts including Deer Tick, The Low Anthem, Shooter Jennings, Lucero, John Doe, Robert Earl Keen, The Supersuckers, Lydia Loveless, Murder by Death, Scott H. Biram, Holly Golightly, Slim Cessna’s Auto Club, Brown Bird, and The Devil Makes Three. And then, of course, there was that epic, unforgettable set at the Newport Folk Festival.

It is with great pleasure we announce that Joe Fletcher & The Wrong Reasons will play The Outlaw Roadshow on Saturday Mar 16! The show is free with advanced RSVP. But we are limited to show capacity. Arrive early to guarantee entry!

Sunday, February 17, 2013

INDIE SONGWRITER - RYAN HAMILTON, vocalist, guitar player and keyboardist for the bands People On Vacation and Smile Smile, has been added to The Outlaw Roadshow lineup on March 9th. Hamilton just released a new single, Rose Covered Mansion, and is playing tracks from his new record touring the UK. His decision to stake out on his own and make a solo effort was a long time coming. "It's something that has always been in the back of my mind, but I wanted to wait until the time was right. Now that it's here and it's happening, I decided to do something different. Something real. We tracked everything old school and live. No auto tune, or copying and pasting. Real sounds and live performances. I can't wait for people to hear these new songs!"

We can't wait to have Ryan Hamilton with us in Austin. Check out this new video. Hamilton will appear during Roadshow #1 on the night of Saturday, Mar 9 at Rusty's in downtown Austin. The show is free with RSVP. No badges required!

HOT INDIE POP - I want you to meet THE SUSAN CONSTANT! They're a band making super-catchy music. I see them with the chance to make the big transition this year... A chance to make it to the next level. They've already won a large and ever-growing following, largely due to great interaction with crowds and pushing the mark creatively.

With the material on new record, SHAPES, The Susan Constant continue to ride the line between pop and modern indie rock - it's a mix of live songs that play out best in the live setting. The band starts out a song sugary and light - it's a brand of glowing pop that audiences love. Then somewhere in the middle, this little band tears the top off the thing - resulting in huge rock jams! (Only to return once again to it's soft candy shell.) An audience enthralled, the live setting is where this band shines.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

SOUND WAVES - FANTASMES play a gorgeous haze of post 60's psychedelia filled with big percussion and drone...They're Puerto Rico's answer to Ty Segall, The Black Angels and My Bloody Valentine!
In a live set, things get started quite quickly as the music lifted off the page and out of the players' collective creative minds. It rises like a building flame and the music begins to take on qualities of a witches' spell..

Their live show is a fury of action with up to six players at once, a flow of poetry laid over hypnotic drums. At the heart of it all are sound artists Mario Negrón and Darío Morales - who I stumbled into one particularly still night, out searching for adventure. Fantasmes self-released two EPs before releasing their full-length debut REDNESS MOON in 2012 on Last Bummer Records . RSL put it on our Best of Live Albums List. It's now with great pleasure we bring this treasure to Austin for The Outlaw Roadshow!

THE STAGE IS A CHURCH -
The new EP from Memphis' STAR & MICEY was produced by Dennis Herring (Elvis Costello, Modest Mouse, Wavves, Ben Folds), captures the spririted four-piece's incredible, fan-favorite live performances. (For those who haven't yet seen the band perform live, the stage is really a cross between a raucous live jam and a hand-clapping gospel church.) A couple of years back we caught this band in Austin during SxSW. Immediately won over, I've been listening to them ever since! Earlier this year, Ryan's Smashing Life had the distinct honor in debuting this fun, breakout music video which showcases the band's brilliant sound and their sense of humor. (Share it with a friend!) Love this band. We're delighted to add STAR & MICEY to The Outlaw Roadshow in Austin. Do Not Miss This Set!

Friday, February 15, 2013

ONE OF THE OUTLAW'S BEST LIVE SETS THIS YEAR - September saw the release of LITTLE BRAVE'SWild EP. These new songs, written and recorded over the last year, took something already great and completely blew it up! A live set of Little Brave music can make you fall in love or mad as hell. (Read below.) She has a very powerful effect on audiences.

"Little Brave's music exhibits some form of intensity that you don't hear all over the place. It's strange because it's not really all that intense in the way you might think of intensity in a traditional sense. It's intense because it's so individual. It's so personal and it really seems to be coming from a place that people just don't let other people see all that often. It's emotional."- Daytrotter

"Brutally honest. Sonically sublime. Achingly beautiful. One very powerful album from an artist in every sense of the word."
- Songwriter

"A talented multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, she brings a girl-next-door-turned-rock-star sexuality to the stage that will make everyone in the audience leave with at least a little crush on her. Whether rocking out with a full band or stripping down for a solo acoustic show, Stephanie pulls every emotion from your soul."
- Ryan's Smashing Life

NORTHEAST ROCKERS - One can't really hope to understand TWIN BERLIN'S hopelessly catchy garage rock sound without looking at the last year of these young musicians' lives. There was an immediate and early discovery by producers at MTV. But then the story of their time in-studio, really got surreal. They crossed paths with Mikey Welsh, formerly of Weezer, who - after hearing the band, advocated for them and offered to paint the cover art for the band's debut EP. Tipped off on the glory of their fledgling sound, Travis Barker of Blink-182, had a listen and soon decided to get involved. He selected Twin Berlin to be the winner of Guitar Center’s 'Your Next Record' contest, inviting them to record with him in Los Angeles, and even offering to play along on their first single.

In the last year, the band's sound has showcased coast-to-coast and on international television. Matt Lopez, James Janocha, Tim Taylor and Sean O'Neil are currently hard at work on the new Twin Berlin full-length, Sleazebrain. We are delighted to invite the band to play with us down in Texas! This is their first Outlaw Roadshow.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

WHERE INDIE ROCK AND SYNTHESIZER MEET - Two of my favorite people in music are in the same band. STEREO TELESCOPE offer fansgorgeous electro-pop numbers that prove to continually inventive in their approaches. A live show is an expression in charisma and nearly boundless energy. The duo of Nikki Dessingue and Kurt Schneider continue to move audiences as evidenced here by the new music video for "Fires." They just released a new record, "One and Running," that's winning hearts and minds on the road. This is a must-see band at SxSW but you can also see the along the road. A red-hot tour with Avoxblue and André Obin kicks off in two weeks.